Pivotable Platform for Automated Container Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual cleaning of large portable containers is difficult and dangerous due to the size and residue within them, posing challenges for effective residue removal.

Innovation Solution

A container cleaning apparatus with a pivotable platform assembly, fork assembly, and cleaning nozzle system that allows for the inversion of containers and efficient spraying of cleaning fluids, enabling safe and thorough cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning of large portable containers is performed, then cleaning can be conducted, but the task becomes difficult and dangerous due to the size and residue within the containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaning operationVSAvoiddifficulty and danger posed by container size and residue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The platform assembly is pivotable between a first position for receiving the container and a second position that inverts the container. By inverting the container, gravity assists in removing residue and facilitates cleaning fluid application and drainage, transforming a difficult manual cleaning task into a safer and more efficient automated process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

A cleaning nozzle assembly is provided to deliver cleaning fluid into the container interior. This intermediary device enables thorough cleaning without requiring manual entry into the hazardous environment, allowing cleaning personnel to work from a safe distance while effectively removing residue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated cleaning systems are introduced, then cleaning safety and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of cleaning apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the container during cleaning, inverts the container to facilitate residue removal, and provides a mounting structure for the cleaning nozzle assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high cleaning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates safe and efficient cleaning of containers by allowing for the inversion and thorough rinsing of interior surfaces, reducing manual labor risks and improving cleaning efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

engaging the cleaning nozzle assembly to spray a cleaning fluid into the interior of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

pivoting the platform assembly relative to the frame... at least partially inverting the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12128461B2Automated portable container cleaning

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 THE MODERN GROUP

AI summary

A container cleaning apparatus includes a frame and a platform assembly pivotably coupled to the frame. The platform assembly includes a platform, guide walls coupled to the platform, a back wall coupled to the platform, and a front gate, the front gate slidingly coupled to the platform. The container cleaning apparatus also includes a fork assembly, the fork assembly including a fork movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a cleaning nozzle assembly.